Hosts buying for a group
You want enough crisps for everyone playing, but you’re also thinking about the total weight and the chance of having a large, opened bag left over.
Who are the different pack sizes for?
Hosts who want to offer different portions and flavours
You want players to be able to grab their own bag or choose from several flavours, without opening everything at once.
Guests and hosts who check the labels
You pay attention to ingredients, allergens or nutritional values and want to know which information applies to the packs you’re putting out.
What should you look for when choosing?
Large sharing bag
Best for: a group sharing crisps from bowls.
Bear in mind: you open the whole bag at once and need to seal any leftovers again.
Individual bags
Best for: players who each want their own portion.
Bear in mind: individual bags mean more packaging.
Variety box
Best for: a group that wants to choose from different flavours or types of snack.
Bear in mind: not everything inside will necessarily be potato crisps, and you’ll need to check the label for each variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the total weight with the number of players and decide whether you can store an opened bag. | If I’m buying for the whole table, I want to put out enough without having lots left over. Around 31% of consumers put quantity first. |
| Portions and flavours | Check the number of bags, the contents of each bag and which flavours are included in the pack. | When people have different preferences, I want players to be able to choose their own bag. For around 31% of consumers, portion sizes and flavour choice are the main considerations. |
| Nutritional value | Read the nutritional information per 100 g and work out what your chosen portion contains. | If I’m keeping an eye on my portion, I want to know how much I’m actually serving. Nutritional value is the main consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the label on the pack you’re serving for each variety. | If someone needs to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on an old product description. Around 15% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing only the number of bags
A multipack with lots of bags doesn’t necessarily contain more crisps than a large sharing bag: the weight of each bag can vary.
Compare the total weight and think about how many individual portions your group needs.
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Assuming a variety box contains only crisps
A box may combine potato crisps with other types of snack. That means not every variety will necessarily suit your group’s tastes.
Check which types of snack and flavours are included, and read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety.
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Treating an online ingredients list as definitive
Albert Heijn points out that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.
Before serving, check the label on the pack you’ve actually received.
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Letting a product range name determine your portion size
A description such as ‘reduced fat’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you how many crisps you’re serving. Nutritional values also vary by product.
Read the nutritional information for your chosen variety per 100 g and adjust the portion to suit what you want to serve.
Brands and shops to consider
Lay's
A brand to consider if you’re choosing between individual bags, a variety pack and a larger pack.
- Jumbo lists Lay's individual bags and variety boxes with different numbers of bags.
- Check the flavours and types of snack included in each pack; a variety box isn’t the same as one large bag of crisps.
Pringles
A good option if you’re looking for a specific Pringles pack or a multipack.
- Albert Heijn lists a Pringles value pack, while Jumbo lists individual flavours.
- For your chosen variety, check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Albert Heijn
A shop where you can compare own-brand crisps with branded packs.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Chips Original, as well as product pages for a Lay's Mega box and a Pringles value pack.
- The right type of pack depends on the total weight, what’s inside and everyone’s preferences.
Jumbo
A shop with examples of large own-brand bags and individual bags.
- Jumbo lists 250 g own-brand crisps, 335 g ridged crisps and an individual-bag pack with 15 bags of 25 g.
- A higher total weight doesn’t automatically make a pack right for a small group.
Lidl / Snack Day
An own-brand option if you’re looking for a standard bag of crisps or a multipack.
- Lidl lists 250 g Snack Day Original ridged crisps and a separate multipack page.
- Check the pack and availability at the shop where you do your shopping.
Multipacks and snacks at Joybuy
These packs are designed for handing out individual bags or putting a selection of snacks on the table. The range also includes a multipack of corn snacks, which isn’t a pack of standard potato crisps.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
A mix to share on a games night when players like to have a choice. The pack contains 180 g; check the individual flavours and allergens on the label.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
A box for a group looking to offer a variety of snacks. The pack contains 20 pieces; check which varieties are included and read the label for each one.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
Individual bags for players who all want the same flavour. The pack contains 10 bags of 40 g; check the label before handing them out to guests with allergies.
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Pringles Red Pepper Flavoured Potato Chips, 12 × 40 g
A multipack for serving the same flavour in individual portions. It contains 12 packs of 40 g; check the label on the pack you receive for ingredients and allergens.
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TAKIS Corn Snack Chili & Lime Fuego, 18 × 100 g
Corn snacks for a larger group that enjoys a bold, spicy flavour, rather than anyone looking for standard potato crisps. The pack contains 18 bags of 100 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the label, too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare a large bag with a multipack?
Compare the total weight and think about how many players want their own portion. A large bag works well for shared bowls; with a multipack, the number of bags and the contents of each one determine how many portions you can hand out.
Are individual bags handy for a games night?
Yes, if everyone wants their own portion or you’d rather not open all the crisps at once. Individual bags don’t always come in different flavours, so check what’s inside if variety matters.
Should I check the packaging of crisps ordered online, too?
Yes, before serving, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you received. Albert Heijn warns that online product information can change; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on labels.
Does ‘reduced fat’ tell me enough about a variety of crisps?
No, that description doesn’t replace the nutritional information for the exact variety. Compare the values per 100 g and think about how much you’re serving; don’t assume a product range name tells you everything about its nutritional value.